* * *
"I understand. I will help you get your revenge, Mave. I won't let those disgusting pigs ruin you until the end." Fyre said softly while holding Maverick's hand. He had a serious expression on his face that showed that he was truly willing to help despite Maverick being the subject of his insecurities for many years. He put all that aside, and just like Tian Zi, he was surprised that Maverick was such an amazing and admirable person. He'd had all these encumbrances weighing on his back, but he'd remained strong and brave enough to continue on with his life... unlike him who had almost given up, thinking that it was hopeless for him since he was an Omega. He'd shut himself off and prevented people from getting close to him.
Even now, even though he had a lot of friends, he still tried to distance himself a little... afraid that one day he would get betrayed even though he knew full well that wouldn't happen.
"Thank you, Fyre. I would really appreciate it. I know things haven't been great between us, but I truly hope that you become my friend." Maverick said softly, trying to prevent himself from crying. But it was useless because the stubborn liquid still managed to slip out, which he quickly wiped. Seeing this, Fyre pulled Maverick into a hug.
"What are you talking about? Aren't we friends already? And since you're my friend, I will do my best to help you in the best way that I can..." Fyre promised, giving a gentle smile.
"You're not alone, Maverick. Fyre and I will definitely help you." Tian Zi, who had been listening to the two all this time, said as well before he patted Maverick's head causing the Omega to feel so special. He'd never had friends before. Although Tian Zi was an acquaintance, he was someone he thought he'd needed to avoid, while Fyre... well, he'd thought that the Omega hated him. But now, they were actually the ones that were ready to help him, despite how awkwardly their relationship had started.
Maverick had cried so much already last night during his confession to Tian Zi but right now, he couldn't help but cry again. Back then he didn't like crying because it felt like his heart was being squeezed and it was painful, but right now it felt like it was the one thing he needed. He still hated crying but unlike before where it was painful, now it was a little comforting.
* * *
"Where are you going?" Tian Zi asked, grabbing on Fyre's arm. They had just sent Maverick into his room so that he could rest a little bit more before he faced his brothers, but seeing that Fyre was leaving already after that, Tian Zi was confused and couldn't help but stop the Omega. Although Fyre did say that he was going to be quick with his visit, he expected he would think otherwise after listening to Maverick's dilemma.
"I'm leaving. Didn't I tell you that I have to attend an event later and that a friend will come and get me soon? I promise, tomorrow I'll help. For now just handle the situation and make sure you take good care of Mave before Quinn and Ash arrive..." Fyre replied with a little frown on his forehead. He thought the Alpha had understood what he said earlier when he agreed to visit.
"Well, yeah, I'll handle it… but can't you just cancel that? This is clearly more important..." Tian Zi suggested, sounding a little hesitant at the last sentence. Knowing that yesterday Fyre spent his time with a man he called his friend still bothered him, and he was positive that this same friend was the one who invited him to this event. It didn't sit well with him so he couldn't help but not want Fyre to go and instead be with him.
Fyre frowned deeper listening to Tian Zi as he tried to explain, thinking that the Alpha was being overly protective of him again like he had always been for the past years. "Tian Zi, I can't do that when I've already agreed to be his partner. If you're worried about me then don't be, my friend won't hurt me."
"You don't know that! Who is he anyway? I didn't know you had a friend aside from the ones I know." Tian Zi frowned this time as well, truly not liking the situation. He was aware that he was sounding desperate and clingy but he'd rather be seen like that than let Fyre go. Because it felt like if he did let him go, he'd end up being bothered all day and maybe for weeks… or months. 'Do I really like Fyre? Not as friends but as the opposite sex?' Suddenly the question popped inside his head, making him loosen his grip on Fyre's arm. The Omega took this as a chance to get away from Tian Zi's grasp.
"I know because he's the very first person who ever extended his help to me when I most needed it... and you know him... Paul Hymlyn. His father's going to step down from his position, Paul wanted me to be with him during his succession as his friend. Argh... whatever! Why do I have to explain it to you!? I'm going now if you don't have anything to say. Just make sure Mave is fine, I'll be back tomorrow morning." Fyre said, quickly turning around and leaving Tian Zi there in shock.
First of all, Tian Zi was surprised to learn that Paul Hymlyn, Daniel Sullen Mo's ex-boyfriend from years ago, was Fyre's friend?! Not to mention, he was also the very first person who extended their help when Fyre most needed it?! Tian Zi was so surprised that he didn't even notice Fyre leaving and before he knew it the Omega was already gone.
"Dammit!" Tian Zi cursed. Now that he thought about it, the first time he had encountered Fyre was when both of them were battling for Daniella Sullen's personal information. It was the time when he'd nicknamed him 'Princess' in order to tease him. At that time, Daniella Sullen was Paul Hymlyn's fiance. Paul Hymlyn must have asked Fyre to help Daniella Sullen clear her name so there was a high possibility that the two knew each other. He'd just never thought of it until now. Additionally, he disliked it ...he disliked this so much. His emotions were suddenly all over the place and he couldn't take it. When Fyre was with Jonathan or with Joaquinn, it hadn't felt like this. He would feel uncomfortable, but not like he was feeling right now.
Subconsciously, Tian Zi followed Fyre but unfortunately, the Omega was already far gone. Thankfully, even though he didn't know where Fyre was going, he knew for sure that the Omega was going to attend an event. Of course, Tian Zi didn't know where the gathering was going to be held, but it would be easy to find it and even easier to provide himself an invite if he wanted to.
* * *
"I'm sorry I'm late," Fyre said as soon as he saw Paul sitting at one of the tables at the cafe and enjoying his cup of coffee. Paul was supposed to pick up Fyre from his house, but since Fyre had to go and visit Tian Zi, he'd had to modify their plans. He hadn't expected that it would take so much time so, as soon as he left the Alpha's house, he'd called Paul so that they could just meet up at the usual place.
"No, it's okay. There's still a lot of time for us to prepare." Paul replied with a gentle smile before he offered Fyre a seat.
"Why don't we take our order first before we go? We'll both be too busy to eat later, even at the party." Paul said. It was already lunch time so it was reasonable. He knew that after this, both of them had a lot of preparation to do before the actual party started. Fyre strongly agreed, because after meeting Tian Zi, he had been to a handful of events and gatherings. He knew that these kinds of events sometimes were too overwhelming and the guests would forget to eat.
Truth be told, he didn't actually want to attend Paul's succession party. In the first place, he didn't want to be in crowded places. But Paul had begged him so he'd had no choice. It has been a long time since they've met and the Alpha seemed desperate. Besides, by now he could socialize a little if needed... he just preferred being left alone most of the time.
"Yeah, I agree." Fyre chuckled.
"Then I'll take our orders. Do you still like the usual??" Paul offered to which Fyre nodded. This café was the place that they usually went to when they met back in the days because they liked the food and the ambiance was peaceful, despite being in the middle of the city. The reason for this was because the cafe was located a little further back behind massive buildings. It was the only lot that hadn't been purchased by the neighboring big companies, possibly due to maybe the landlord's stubborn personality, so it was the only green spot in the area if a video was taken by a drone. This was also the reason why the entrance was just enough for a car to slide inside and it was not easily spotted. Additionally, the café didn't have any marketing strategy to further spread the existence of it, so it had remained peaceful and quiet all throughout the years.
As Paul returned from ordering their meals, Fyre glanced at the beautiful greenery around the café and smiled.
"I haven't been here for a long time. I almost forgot how nice this place was." Fyre said as Paul took his seat.
"Hmm. I'm surprised too that this place still exists. I really thought this place would be bought out by one of the buildings around it. I'm glad that it's still here and hasn't changed a lot, even the workers." Paul replied, looking at the greenery as well. They continued enjoying the scenery while having casual conversation until finally their meals arrived. The meal was quick to finish and soon they left to prepare for the event, namely dress fitting and salon.
At 7 pm in the evening at a certain 5 star hotel, Fyre and Paul arrived. Paul was wearing a black tuxedo that hugged his body beautifully, while Fyre wore a paired design in white showing off how small his waist was. Just from the looks of it, they were clearly the couple of the night. Everyone would think so, …except one specific Alpha, …who'd kept his eyes on them since the moment they'd arrived.
* * *
To be Continued. . .